Completing Profiles for Professionals: Housemate Finder Questions Explained
Under the instructions there is a video that will guide you step by step on how to log in as a user, edit your profile (including adding a profile picture and cover image), and return to the Professional Dashboard.
As a professional managing a user’s account on Housemate Finder, your role involves completing the user’s profile to help them connect with potential housemates. This guide explains the profile questions, their purpose, and tips for filling them out on behalf of the user.
Privacy Settings
For each question, you will see visibility options: Everyone, All Members, Friends, or Only Me. Some questions have a green Change button, allowing you to adjust who can see the responses. Remember, this is a private community, and no information is available to the public. Consider the user’s preferences when deciding what information to share. Avoid including private details like phone numbers or email addresses unless the user explicitly agrees.
Required Information
These four required questions must be completed to save the profile:
- Name
Why it’s required: Identifies the user on the platform. - Current Location
How to answer: Start typing the user’s city, then select the correct option from the drop-down menu.
Why it’s required: Helps match the user with nearby housemates and ensures accurate filtering. - Birth Date
Note: Only the user’s age will be visible to other members.
Why it’s required: Age is important for matching preferences and compatibility. - Desired Housing Location
How to answer: Similar to “Current Location,” type the city and select the correct option.
Why it’s required: Ensures the user’s housing needs are matched with potential housemates in their preferred area.
Optional Profile Details
Primary Contact Name
Note: This can be the user’s name or your name as the account manager.
Primary Contact Email
Used for communication and account management.
Contact Phone Number
Facilitates direct communication when necessary.
Gender
Provides context for matching the user with compatible housemates.
Enriching Key Profile Sections to Foster Connections
About Me
Why It Matters:
This section is the user’s introduction and sets the tone for how they are perceived by others. A well-crafted “About Me” offers insight into the user’s personality, lifestyle, and interests, helping to build curiosity and compatibility with potential housemates.
How to Answer:
- Share the user’s personality traits (e.g., kind, organized, quiet, outgoing).
- Highlight aspects of their daily routine (e.g., early riser, enjoys quiet evenings, or loves cooking).
- Mention key details about their background or hobbies that define who they are.
Examples of “About Me”:
Example 1: I’m a kind and easygoing person who loves spending time with animals and enjoying the little things in life. Sundays are special to me because I get to cook healthy meals and share them with my church community. I also have a creative side and love decorating my home for every holiday—it always puts me in a festive mood!
Example 2: I’m a laid-back person who loves spending time both online and in person playing fantasy video games with my friends. I also enjoy hanging out at the YMCA swimming and trying out new activities. When I’m relaxing at home, there’s nothing better than a good action TV show and some popcorn—or maybe a pizza night!
Hobbies & Interests
Why It Matters:
This section provides a snapshot of what excites and inspires the user. Common interests are an excellent way to spark connections and find compatibility.
How to Answer:
- List hobbies the user actively enjoys (e.g., crafting, sports, or gaming).
- Mention any shared activities they might enjoy doing with a housemate (e.g., board games, movie nights).
Examples of “Hobbies & Interests”:
Example 1: I love nature and animals, so volunteering at the local shelter is something I truly enjoy. Cooking is one of my favorite activities, especially trying out healthy recipes. I’m also a big fan of mystery books and belong to a book club that meets monthly. When I’m not busy, you can find me streaming drama shows or visiting the local petting zoo.
Example 2: Fantasy video games are my favorite pastime, especially when I can team up with my gaming friends online. I like staying active, so I spend a lot of time at the YMCA swimming and exploring other activities. Watching action-packed TV shows, especially classics from the ’80s and ’90s, is another way I like to unwind. And of course, I never say no to a great pizza night!
Community Involvement
Why It Matters:
Sharing community-related activities highlights the user’s values and commitment to contributing to their surroundings. This can appeal to housemates who appreciate involvement and shared values.
How to Answer:
- Include volunteer work or participation in community events (e.g., food banks, animal shelters).
- Highlight memberships in clubs or organizations.
Examples of “Community Involvement”:
Example 1: Giving back is important to me. I help prepare meals for my church congregation on Sundays and volunteer regularly at an animal shelter. I’m also part of a local book club where we read and discuss mysteries, which is a fun way to connect with others.
Example 2: The YMCA is like a second home to me. I enjoy spending time there swimming, trying new activities, and connecting with the friends I’ve made in the community. Whether I’m active or just socializing, the YMCA is where I feel most at home.
Name Two Things Needed to Create a Good Life for Yourself
Why It Matters:
This section allows the user to share their values and life goals, offering potential housemates a deeper understanding of their priorities and what drives them.
How to Answer:
- Highlight personal goals or values (e.g., maintaining a peaceful home or pursuing education).
- Mention specific conditions for happiness or comfort (e.g., supportive friendships or a creative environment).
Examples of “Name Two Things Needed to Create a Good Life for Yourself”:
Example 1: A sense of community and being able to decorate my home to make it feel warm and welcoming.
Example 2: Connection with others, both online and in-person. Being able to do activities with others.
Housemate Preferences
- Medicaid Waiver Status
Indicates if the user is a Medicaid Waiver recipient, helping match them with compatible housemates. - Are You a Smoker?
Why it’s important: Helps ensure compatibility based on smoking habits. - Housemate Preference – Gender
Specifies the user’s preference for a housemate’s gender. - Housemate Preference – Age
States the preferred age range for potential housemates. - Housemate Preference – Smoking
Indicates if the user prefers a smoke-free environment or is comfortable living with smokers.
Final Tips
By thoroughly completing the user’s profile, you help them find the best matches and create meaningful connections in the Housemate Finder community. Always remain mindful of what information is shared and ensure it aligns with the user’s comfort and privacy preferences.
Filtering Matches
The Housemate Finder Directory filters potential matches using the following questions:
- Desired Housing Location
- Housemate Gender Preference
- Age (Birth Date field)
- Smoking Preference
- Medicaid Waiver Status